1609—Spanish Jesuits begin converting the local
population to Roman Catholicism.

1776—Paraguay transferred from the Vice-royalty
of Peru to the Vice-royalty of La Plata, which has its capital at
Buenos Aires in Argentina.

1808—Vice-royalty of La Plata becomes
autonomous following the overthrow of the Spanish monarchy by Napoleon
Bonaparte, but Paraguayans revolt against Buenos Aires.

Independence and war

1811—Paraguay becomes independent.

1865–70—Paraguay loses over half of its
population and large tracts of land in war with Argentina, Brazil and
Uruguay over sea access.

1932–35—Paraguay wins territory in the west
from Bolivia during Chaco war.

From Stroessner to democracy

1954—General Alfredo Stroessner seizes power in
coup, ushering in more than 30 years of ruthless dictatorship.

Former military dictator General Stroessner;
Strong-arm leader deposed in coup, sought asylum in Brazil

1989—Stroessner deposed in coup led by Gen
Andres Rodriguez, who is then elected president. However,
Stroessner's centre-right, military-backed National Republican
Association-Colorado Party wins parliamentary elections.

1992—New democratic constitution promulgated.

1993—Colorado Party wins simple majority of
seats in first free multiparty elections, while its candidate, Juan
Carlos Wasmosy, wins first free presidential elections.

1998—Colorado Party candidate Raul Cubas
elected president amid allegations of fraud.

1999—President Cubas resigns in wake of
assassination of Vice-President Luis Maria Argana. Luis Gonzalez
Macchi appointed caretaker president, forms government of national
unity.

2000 October—An army major and two other men
are sentenced to long prison terms for their roles in Argana's
murder.